Dutch business confidence has fallen for the second quarter in a row, dropping to -7.5 in the first three months of this year, national statistics agency CBS said on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, fewer companies are experiencing problems and exporters remain positive about their foreign sales, the CBS said. In addition, the drop compared to the previous quarter is only marginal, despite growing uncertainty about the economic climate.

The biggest decline was reported in the wholesale and trade sector, where confidence fell from -3.2 to -12.2. The business services sector also recorded a decline. However, companies in the hospitality industry and farming sector were more positive about their economic prospects.

Although the shortage of staff remains the biggest problem facing Dutch firms, fewer companies (34%) report this is a problem, and the percentage which say they are not experiencing any major issues has risen to 36%. One in five firms say the shortage in demand is a major problem and 10% say they face financial limitations.